Lily pad leaf plants have distinctive, often circular or heart-shaped leaves that float on water surfaces. They offer a unique aesthetic appeal, bringing tranquility and natural beauty. Understanding their characteristics and care allows for successful cultivation.
What Defines a Lily Pad Leaf
A “lily pad leaf” is typically broadly circular or cordate (heart-shaped), with a flat lamina that lies horizontally. They are commonly peltate, meaning the petiole (leaf stalk) attaches to the center of the blade, giving them a shield-like appearance. This morphology is advantageous for aquatic plants, allowing stable flotation. The flat surface maximizes sunlight exposure, crucial for photosynthesis where light might be limited.
Their horizontal orientation also shades the water, reducing temperature and inhibiting algae growth. Some leaves have hydrophobic surfaces, causing water to bead and roll off, keeping the leaf dry and allowing efficient gas exchange. This combination of shape, attachment, and surface properties defines the common characteristics of a “lily pad leaf,” regardless of genus or habitat. These adaptations allow for efficient resource acquisition.
Aquatic Plants with Lily Pad Leaves
True water lilies (Nymphaea) are iconic examples of aquatic plants with lily pad leaves. Their round, floating leaves emerge from rhizomes anchored in the pond bottom, providing a verdant canopy. Leaves range from a few inches to over a foot in diameter. Water lily flowers typically float on the surface or rise slightly above it, complementing the broad leaves.
Lotus plants (Nelumbo) also feature prominent lily pad-like leaves, often rising above the water on stiff petioles. The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has notably large leaves, often reaching 2 feet in diameter, with a superhydrophobic surface that causes water to bead. Unlike water lilies, lotus flowers are held high above the foliage, creating an impressive vertical display. Both thrive in still or slow-moving freshwater, forming dense colonies.
Giant water platters (Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana) produce some of the largest lily pad leaves, often exceeding 6 to 10 feet in diameter. These immense, circular leaves feature upturned edges and a strong, ribbed underside for buoyancy and structural support. Their size and appearance make them spectacular in native tropical environments. They require warm, deep water and abundant sunlight.
Terrestrial Plants with Lily Pad Leaves
While “lily pad” is associated with aquatic flora, several terrestrial plants also feature similar-looking leaves. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a common garden annual known for its distinctive, round leaves with a central petiole attachment, mimicking a small lily pad. These edible leaves range from light green to variegated shades, spreading across the ground or climbing. Their circular, slightly cupped form resembles miniature water lily pads.
Another example is the umbrella plant (Darmera peltata), a perennial producing large, rounded leaves that emerge directly from the ground on stout petioles. These leaves can reach 2 feet across, resembling giant, terrestrial lily pads. They thrive in moist, shady conditions, often found along stream banks or in boggy garden areas. The leaves provide significant ground cover and a bold textural element.
Certain Colocasia varieties, known as elephant ears, also exhibit large, often rounded or heart-shaped leaves that can evoke the appearance of lily pads. While many Colocasia species have elongated leaves, some cultivars produce broad, shield-like foliage. These plants are popular for their dramatic tropical appearance, requiring consistently moist soil and warm temperatures. Their expansive leaf blades create a striking visual impact.
Caring for Lily Pad Leaf Plants
Cultivating aquatic lily pad plants, such as water lilies and lotus, involves specific considerations for their watery habitat. Water depth is a primary factor; most hardy water lilies prefer 12 to 18 inches of water over their rhizomes, while tropical varieties prefer 18 to 30 inches. Lotus plants thrive in 6 to 12 inches of water over their growing tips. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowers and healthy foliage.
Planting aquatic lily pad plants involves placing them in wide, shallow containers filled with heavy loam soil, not typical potting mix, to prevent floating. Specialized aquatic plant fertilizers, often tablets, should be pressed into the soil near the rhizomes at the beginning of the growing season and every few weeks. This provides essential nutrients directly to the roots. Regular trimming of yellowed leaves and spent flowers maintains plant health and appearance.
Overwintering aquatic lily pad plants depends on their hardiness zone. Hardy water lilies can remain in the pond if rhizomes are below the freeze line, typically at least 2 feet deep in cold climates. Tropical water lilies and lotus, however, need to be brought indoors before the first frost, stored in a cool, dark, frost-free location, or treated as annuals in colder regions. For terrestrial plants like Nasturtium, care involves planting in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate watering. Darmera peltata prefers consistently moist, rich soil in shady to partially shaded locations. Colocasia thrives in warm, humid conditions with ample water and rich soil.